Are you in a gift-giving rut? Need new gift giving ideas? If you consistently buy one type of gift for someone (clothes or books, for instance), it may be time for a change. Break your predictable Christmas gift-giving habits by developing new gift ideas this Christmas season.
Think Creatively
Time and cost factor always factor into giving gifts. But you can find great gifts by starting now to think creatively and specifically about each person on your list. By keeping your eyes open for the unique and special, you can take find new gift giving ideas everywhere you look.
Think Individually
Time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Here are five strategies that can make your gifts stand out this season:
- Decide on a formula. Last year, I used a Christmas Combo. This is a formula for choosing gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, something to do, and something I made. It all added up to six quality gifts to open. While it was a bit tricky to come up with some of the gift ideas, I enjoyed the challenge. More importantly, everyone was delighted to be truly surprised on Christmas morning!
- Brainstorm for each person. The key to being creative with gifts is taking the time to really think about each person. Consider their interests, likes and dislikes, before deciding on a gift. It is hard to do in November or December when when time becomes an issue. Take a day or two now to really think about each person. List their interests and gift ideas throughout the year. It will make your shopping much easier no matter when you start!
Look for New Sources
- Experiment with new stores or sites. Part of why gift-giving becomes predictable is we fall back on the same stores or sites such as Amazon, especially if time is an issue. Why not treat yourself to a small business shopping excursion each month? Go to smaller boutiques or specialty shops in a nearby town. Check out curated lists of exceptional but lesser known shopping sites. You can find something that might delight those on your list, while you get a head start on your Christmas shopping, too!
- Don’t forget handmade gifts. Last year I had grand ideas to make something special for everyone in my immediate family. However, I waited too long to do anything substantial. Not wanting to give up that piece of my formula, though, I made small gift boxes with sweets, cocoa and a cute mug in each. It was not what I originally planned, but it was handmade-ish and still very much appreciated. Start now to think about what you could make yourself, check out Etsy or use the gift basket/box approach to up your creativity game this Christmas.
Try Gifting an Experience
- Consider gifts of time or experience. One way to get creative with Christmas giving is not to give “stuff” at all! I once gave my mother the gift of taking her to lunch at a different restaurant each month for a year. It ended up being a global culinary tour as we tried all types of cuisines, and it was lots of fun for me as well! Consider tickets to a show, a museum pass, an online course or a tour of some unique local feature. Try a service such as cleaning, yard work, babysitting or cooking. The only caveat with a gift like this, though, is to make sure you actually follow through with whatever you promise to do!
Now is the perfect time to start thinking creatively about your Christmas giving. Have fun and happy hunting!
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